BRING NASL TEAMS TO FIFA 12 by EA Sports

As a huge soccer fan, I was extremely excited to have a local squad to cheer for when Carolina RailHawks FC began their inaugural season in 2007. Gone were the days of "long-distance allegiance" with clubs that I really had no true emotional connection with. Although the RailHawks would be playing in a league that was considered by many to be a step down from Major League Soccer, most fans were impressed by the overall level of skill and competition.

In a addition to being a futbol fan, I also love video games... particularly EA Sports' FIFA line of games. Although I Thoroughly enjoyed using the game as a portal onto the pitch with the greatest players in the world, I longed to be able to play with teams that were based in cities that I had actually VISTED IN PERSON. I was ecstatic when I finally saw the inclusion of the Major League Soccer in the games I loved playing. I no longer had to make custom teams or imaginary transfers of Landon Donovan to Real Madrid! The time has come to include the next wave of American teams in the FIFA series. This move will only increase the visibility of the beautiful game in one of the biggest and untapped (in football terms anyway) world markets!

Although the NASL league is only beginning its 1st season after separating from the USL the teams comprising this league have shown their ability to play at a very high level. Although the league is considered to be a level down from Major League Soccer, the supposed drop-off in "quality of play" is actually quite diminutive. Teams such as Carolina RailHawks FC have played against and defeated MLS, Mexican League (FMF), and English Championship squads in friendly competitions. The Puerto Rico Islanders have also been very successful in CONCACAF tournaments facing FMF and MLS teams.

Considering the fact EA Sports includes English leagues such as Coca-Cola league 1 and even Coca-Cola league 2 (most of the league 2 teams would not qualify for the play-offs against NASL level talent), the NASL should also be given the attention and respect it deserves from EA Sports. Even in smaller markets, the support for these squads is very strong. The thought of seeing experienced veterans and younger players like Gregory Richardson(Carolina RailHawks FC), Nevio Pizzolitto(Impact de Montreal), and Richard Martinez(Islanders) in FIFA 12 would be very exciting for avid supporters who longing to have their local heroes going up against the best talent in the world. You could even have sibling rivalry with Gordon Kljestan (Tampa Bay Rowdies) going up against his brother Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht in the Belgian First Division)!!

Let your voices be heard! Support the beautiful game from the grass-roots level upward... and on a personal note... LET'S GO RAILHAWKS!!!